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Bill

HB 1865

Expanding access for small business employees and adjusting implementation dates for working connections child care.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 8 co-sponsors

HB 1865 expands Working Connections Child Care eligibility for small business employees and adjusts program implementation timelines to increase subsidized child care access.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HB 1865

Legislative bill overview

HB 1865 expands eligibility for the Working Connections Child Care program to include more small business employees and adjusts implementation timelines for the program's rollout. The bill modifies income thresholds and employer size requirements to broaden access to subsidized child care assistance for workers in smaller enterprises.

Why is this important

Child care costs represent a significant barrier to employment for working families, particularly in small businesses where employers may not offer benefits. By expanding access to subsidized child care, the bill aims to improve workforce participation, reduce financial strain on low-income workers, and support small business competitiveness in hiring and retaining employees.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Expanding program eligibility increases state expenditure on child care subsidies; questions remain about funding sources and sustainability of expanded benefits
  • Implementation feasibility: Adjusted timelines may reflect concerns about administrative capacity to enroll and serve a larger population, or may be seen as delays in delivering promised benefits
  • Employer participation requirements: Changes to small business inclusion could create compliance burdens for small employers or raise questions about fairness in benefit distribution across business sizes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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